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This activity addresses the opioid public health crisis, including strategies for safe opioid prescribing, the newest clinical guidelines on the treatment of chronic pain, and state policies about prescribing opioids.

Opioid Prescribing: Safe Practice, Changing Lives

Rebecca A. Loveless MHS, DFAAPA, PA-C

In 2012, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) for ER/LA opioid medications. Being able to address all types of pain across all settings and for diverse populations, while also managing the risk for diversion and misuse, requires a delicate balance.

Objectives

At the conclusion of this session participants should be able to:

Accurately assess patients with pain for consideration of an opioid trial, establishing realistic goals for pain management and restoration of function.

Counsel patients and caregivers about safe storage and disposal, as well as safe use, misuse, diversion and overdose.

Demonstrate working knowledge and ability to access general and specific information about opioids, especially those used in your practice.

Accreditation Statement

This activity has been reviewed and is approved for a maximum of 2.0 AAPA Category 1 CME credit by the AAPA Review Panel. Approval is valid until January 31, 2019. Participants should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. This program was planned in accordance with the AAPA’s CME Standards for Enduring Material Programs and for Commercial Support of Enduring Material Programs.

Disclosure Policy Statement

It is the policy of AAPA to require the disclosure of the existence of any significant financial interest or any other relationship a faculty member has with the commercial interest of any commercial product discussed in an educational presentation. The participating faculty reported the following:

Off-Label/Unapproved Product(s) Discussion

There are no references to off-label/unapproved uses of products in this program.

Disclaimer

The opinions and comments expressed by faculty and other experts, whose input is included in this program, are their own. This enduring material is produced for educational purposes only. Please review complete prescribing information of specific drugs mentioned in this program including indications, contraindications, warnings, and adverse effects and dosage before administering to patients. This activity is not intended to advocate for the use of ER/LA Opioids, but to ensure proper education about safe prescribing practices should a medical provider determine that ER/LA Opioids are the best course of treatment.

Acknowledgement of Commercial Support

Presented by AAPA, a member of the Collaborative on REMS Education (CO*RE), 10 interdisciplinary organizations working together to improve pain management and prevent adverse outcomes.

This educational activity is supported by an independent educational grant from the ER/LA Opioid Analgesic REMS Program Companies. Please see this link for a listing of the member companies. This activity is intended to be fully compliant with the ER/LA Opioid Analgesic REMS education requirements issued by the US Food & Drug Administration.

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